As the latest project in the steady expansion of the Dungeon and Fighter universe, The First Berserker: Khazan is an upcoming bridge between established franchise lore and a fresh take on action RPG gameplay. By drawing from its DNF roots and the trend of Soulslike games in recent years, this game is set to be the most personal and intense journey of the entire IP thus far. While comparisons to its influences might be apt in many ways, the blend of mechanics on offer could truly set it apart from the formula that FromSoftware has established.
In the class system of Dungeon Fighter Online, the Slayer has always been characterized as a warrior infected by the presence of a "Ghost Demon", but the deeper origins behind their powers have been left ambiguous. With this unexpected shift toward elaborating on their history through the tale of how its more extreme subclass came to be, The First Berserker: Khazan is going to recontexualize the world built by Neople.
How The First Berserker: Khazan Straddles the Line of Being a Soulslike
Neople's upcoming action RPG The First Berserker: Khazan leverages the developer's fighting game experience to deliver a unique spin on Soulslikes.
A Cinematic Blend of Soulslike and Modern Action Elements
Skill Points and a Set Protagonist Meet a Hardcore Genre
The core loop of finding checkpoints across levels filled with tough opponents taken down methodically is largely intact within Khazan, but it also diverges at key points which give it more of a unique identity. On top of a faster pace to attacks in general, the titular protagonist progresses primarily through spending points on unlocking new skills. This system mirrors a title like God of War more closely than Elden Ring, even going so far as to divide the trees between few weapon types. In an interview with Wccftech, director JunHo Lee spoke on the gameplay's division among its limited weapons:
"The game features three weapon types - a dual-wielded sword and axe, a spear, and a greatsword. The number of total weapon types may feel small, but it actually isn't, as we consider the three weapons as three different characters. Each weapon comes with its set of skills, and by building Khazan with different gear, it's possible to empower different play styles for all weapons..."
Diving Directly into Character Relationships
In heavy contrast to the vagueness which has been historically associated with the stories of Soulslikes since their inception, the narrative of The First Berserker: Khazan is at its forefront. A cel-shaded anime art style and full dialogue provides a quality to cinematics unseen in many titles with similar combat, with the struggle to get revenge and help the Blade Demon control the Netherworld being far from an ambiguous plot hidden in environments.
The First Berserker: Khazan Will Be an Unprecedented Expansion of Dungeon Fighter's Lore
An Origin Story for the Slayer's Demon Powers
The malevolent entity named Kazan has always been credited with bestowing sinister powers on the Berserker Slayer in Dungeon Fighter Online, and this game seems to be depicting how the tragic descent of the similarly-named character led to the loss of his humanity. This positions the entire experience as a dramatic prequel to a lore-light online game, but that direction is also capable of setting the tone for future uses of the IP.
As the next attempt at branching out after the divisive DNF Duel took a crack at 2D fighting games, The First Berserker: Khazan's genre shift even further away from its original source material makes it even more accessible for newcomers without awareness of DFO's history. It might not be fully invested in esoteric storytelling or a triumphant hero's journey, but the emphasis on worldbuilding in Khazan appears intended to find a sweet spot between these which help to forge its own niche.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 83%
- Released
- March 27, 2025
- Developer(s)
- Neople
- Publisher(s)
- Nexon
WHERE TO PLAY
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game. The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
Khazan and Ozma, the heroes who saved the Pell Los Empire from Hismar the Berserk Dragon and the Dragon Legion. However, General Khazan, falsely accused of treason, becomes a wretched outcast as he is condemned to exile beyond the empire through brutal torture.
YOU MUST PREVAIL
Survive the relentless pursuit of imperial forces, navigate conspiracies aimed at killing Khazan, and overcome the harsh environments you encounter.
YOU MUST REMEMBER
You were once a hero in the history of Arad, a once-in-a-lifetime figure. Recall the forgotten skills of battle learned through brutal torture and slay the enemies who defame and stand against you.
YOU MUST RECLAIM
Find all potential enemies, reclaim everything that was taken from you, seek revenge, and regain the honor and glory that rightfully belong to you.
Story
The First Berserker: Khazan is a game that adapts the universe of DNF (one of Nexon's globally known intellectual properties), dealing with the story of Ozma and Khazan.
The player will become the hero "Khazan," the ancestor of all Slayers and the one who defeated Hismar the Berserk Dragon, proceeding to uncover the truth of his downfall within the empire.
Action
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game.
Experience DNF's frantic hack and slash style mixed with hardcore action as Khazan's devastating battles await you.
Growth
The First Berserker: Khazan is an RPG with various equipment and perks to customize your own way of growth.
Play as the protagonist "Khazan," upgrading not only character abilities but also combining different types of weapon and armor abilities to match your playstyle.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- PC Release Date
- March 27, 2025
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- March 27, 2025
- PS5 Release Date
- March 27, 2025
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
